Rep. West thanks supporters, refuses to concede House defeat

Rep. Allen West (R-Fla.) thanked supporters on his Facebook page Monday for standing with him as "guardians of America's honor," as he continues to contest his Florida House race despite the state declaring his opponent the winner.

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The state of Florida certifiedPatrick Murphy (D) as the winner on Saturday, following a recount of early ballots that put Murphy far enough ahead of West to avoid another automatic recount.

West, a freshman congressman and Tea Party favorite, has refused to concede the race.

"I am deeply troubled by the voting procedure issues emanating from St. Lucie County. It is unconscionable to me to witness what is transpiring before our eyes," he wrote on his Facebook page early Monday. "This is not about who gets a congressional seat, because it belongs to the people. This is about preserving the integrity of the voting process and the fundamental right to free and honest elections, because it is for that which I, and all veterans, have risked our lives."

St. Lucie County agreed to recount three days of early ballots out of concern about issues with voting machine memory cards, but West's campaign argues that all eight days of early ballots should be recounted. On Sunday, following their recount, the county announced that West still trailed Murphy, according to Scripps Treasure Coast Newspapers.

West's campaign has threatened legal action.

"God bless and thanks to all of you here in the Treasure Coast and across America who have joined with us in the fight to protect and preserve the American democratic electoral process," West wrote. "Your efforts and voices are being heard and you have all become guardians of America's honor. A special hat tip and a hearty steadfast and loyal. I will not let you down."